The week in review…

We have managed to survive for yet another week, as today is Friday. Our combined fortunes here in the Inland Northwest are as good as in the can, although various high-ranking Republicans and Democrats are still fighting like cats and dogs over our nation's finances in our far-off nation's capital. My solution for the unending imbroglio over taxes and spending is simple: turn off the damned air conditioners in Washington, D.C. until they fix the damned mess! Although I had written this long before 6:00 AM this morning, KXLY's morning weather forecaster Mark Peterson said pretty much the same thing. Put Republicans and Democrats in a crowded room in stifling 100 degree heat and leave them there until they work out something that works for everyone. Talk about working up a sweat. I call it justice.

At about 10:30 PM last night, just as we were settling down for the night, we heard a rush like a whirlwind whipping its way through the Virtual Garden, but when we both rushed to the windows to see what was the matter, we were astounded to discover a high-volume rainstorm dumping heavy rain like the predecessor to the Great Flood. Like most things in Spokane, however, the gusher only lasted a few minutes before it returned to a nice steady shower and finally fizzled out somewhere before midnight. The best (or worst) part is this mini-flood never even merited a mention in the morning weather forecast on any local TV news. I guess we don't have any of those high-tech, fast-talking meteorologists on duty at that hour of the night.

There wasn't any hail so although our fledgling tomato plants, cucumbers and strawberries were delighted with the moisture, no wounds were noted this morning. Depending upon how far the raging rain storm reached, the wheat farmers would probably be greatful for the rain, too. This morning a similar storm hit Northern Stevens County near Colville, and since that showed up on NEXRAD weather radar they made a big fuss of it, and so onward we march.

Of course, no mention of the events this week should exclude Borders Bookstore is closing their doors forever. It is time, my friends, to go examine the “sale prices” to see whether their sales truly exist. Maybe not.